Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, Inc. ("NRGRR"), organized in 1992, is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, dedicated to finding permanent homes for Golden Retrievers in need.  Goldens enter the program from a wide variety of situations.  They may be the products of broken homes, surrendered because of changing family financial situations or family disinterest, found on the side of the road or dropped off at shelters.  The mission of NRGRR is to find these Goldens homes where they will be cherished, loved and welcomed as a member of the family.  NRGRR is managed and run by volunteers whose efforts are dedicated to preserving the breed. 

What happens when a Golden enters the program?

Goldens entering the program are shuttled by volunteers to an approved veterinary hospital where they are thoroughly examined, given vaccinations, spayed or neutered and treated for any outstanding ailments (such as heartworm). Goldens then live in foster homes in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area until adopted.   NRGRR relies heavily on the generosity of foster families to care for and temporarily house Goldens in need of a permanent home.

What about medical expenses?

NRGRR requires that every dog entering the program go through an approved medical protocol, unless medical records for the dog can be confirmed.    Adoption fees don't cover the average expense for a healthy dog.  Donations and fundraisers must make up the difference. The average cost for veterinary expenses exceeds $50,000 per year. Extra-ordinary medical expenses, heartworm treatment for instance, is required for at least 25% of the dogs in the program.  Making these dogs healthy again is at the heart of the definition of "rescue".

What is the process to adopt a Golden?

Prospective adopters call the NRGRR hotline and are screened by Info Line Volunteers to ensure that our Goldens will be placed in the best possible environment. Prospective adopters fill out an adoption application and, upon approval, review a list of dogs available for adoption.  The prospective adopter then makes appointments with the foster family to visit a rescue Golden.  The foster family makes the ultimate decision about who adopts "their" foster dog.

Please visit our website, www.GoldenRescueNC.org, for more information about the Rescue, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities!